Latest news with #UK-Afghan
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Elderly British man says Taliban jail is ‘nearest thing to hell'
A 79-year-old British man imprisoned by the Taliban alongside rapists and murderers has described his situation as 'the nearest thing to hell.' Peter Reynolds, and his wife, Barbie, 75, were captured by the Taliban in February while returning to their home in central Afghanistan. In a voice note provided to The Telegraph by his family, Mr Reynolds, speaking from the notorious Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul, described his situation as 'the nearest thing to hell'. He said: 'I am learning a lot about the belly, the underbelly of Afghanistan. The prison guards shout all the time and beat people. We just witnessed a guy being beaten just now by one of the wardens outside in the exercise yard. 'It's a horrible atmosphere, the nearest thing to hell I can imagine.' The Reynolds, who have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and have joint UK-Afghan citizenship, are being held separately in the Afghan capital. The couple were married in Kabul in 1970, before war ravaged the capital, and later set up Rebuild, a company that provides education and training programmes for government and non-government organisations. Mr Reynolds said: 'The other thing is, I've been joined up with rapists - by my ankles, ankle-cuffs, handcuffs - murderers and just even before this call, there is a guy here who killed his wife and three children, shouting away, a demon-possessed man. 'These things are an utter disgrace and shame so I'm appalled.' Their family urged David Lammy last week to publicly condemn the Taliban and demand the couple's release. Their relationship began at Bath University in 1968, when Mrs Reynolds, who grew up in India and spent summers in Afghanistan, first set foot in England. Since the couple's arrest, their home has been ransacked and their house staff interrogated. The Telegraph has learnt, however, that they are victims of a deepening internal power struggle within the Islamist regime. Their arrest was ordered by a commander linked to the Haqqani network, a powerful Taliban faction led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister. The arrests have triggered intense disagreements between Taliban factions in Kabul and Kandahar, with 'heated phone calls' between the two power centres. The couple decided to remain in the country when the Taliban took power in 2021. Their company's workshops focus on project-based learning and cover communication skills, emotional and social intelligence and conflict resolution. Sarah Entwistle, the couple's daughter, told The Telegraph that the hardest part for her parents is being separated from each other - the longest they've gone without speaking since becoming sweethearts in the 1960s. She said: 'We are able to talk to Dad several times a week, and he keeps insisting that his (locked and barred cell) is the VIP suite - because he only has to share a toilet with his interpreter, and they have a bunk bed. 'He says they are given one meal a day, but he's given extra food from the commander's table. He's lost weight, and has had some health scares, but Dad can find light in the darkest of places.' She explained that her father and his interpreter are allowed to make family calls when 'the rapists, murderers and out of control prisoners are back in their cells.' She said: 'While the guards scream at the other prisoners, they don't ever shout at Dad. This is because he's earned respect in a system that is terrifying and unpredictable.' As for her mother, Ms Entwistle said: 'Mum too has found a way to help those around her. She's creating an informal programme for the women in prison to help them with spoken English. While they can read and write, they don't know how to speak it. She's showing a group how to instruct others when she's not around any more.' 'This is who our parents are,' Ms Entwistle added. 'Mum and Dad are still true to themselves in the middle of this—loving people, keeping peace, and creating solutions in one of the very darkest, violent and most hopeless places in the world. 'They understand the power of the Taliban, and the shocking stories around them. But they are literally prepared to sacrifice their lives for the welfare of these people.' Faye Hall, an American citizen who was detained alongside them, was released last week in a deal cut with senior US officials. Ms Entwistle told The Telegraph that if American officials were able to free Ms Hall, the Government should be able to free her parents. She said: 'We will continue to wait in hope that the Taliban will not only release them, but choose to work with them for the good of the country.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Elderly British man says Taliban jail is ‘nearest thing to hell'
A 79-year-old British man imprisoned by the Taliban alongside rapists and murderers has described his situation as 'the nearest thing to hell.' Peter Reynolds, and his wife, Barbie, 75, were captured by the Taliban in February while returning to their home in central Afghanistan. In a voice note provided to The Telegraph by his family, Mr Reynolds, speaking from the notorious Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul, described his situation as 'the nearest thing to hell'. He said: 'I am learning a lot about the belly, the underbelly of Afghanistan. The prison guards shout all the time and beat people. We just witnessed a guy being beaten just now by one of the wardens outside in the exercise yard. 'It's a horrible atmosphere, the nearest thing to hell I can imagine.' The Reynolds, who have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and have joint UK-Afghan citizenship, are being held separately in the Afghan capital. The couple were married in Kabul in 1970, before war ravaged the capital, and later set up Rebuild, a company that provides education and training programmes for government and non-government organisations. Mr Reynolds said: 'The other thing is, I've been joined up with rapists - by my ankles, ankle-cuffs, handcuffs - murderers and just even before this call, there is a guy here who killed his wife and three children, shouting away, a demon-possessed man. 'These things are an utter disgrace and shame so I'm appalled.' Their family urged David Lammy last week to publicly condemn the Taliban and demand the couple's release. Their relationship began at Bath University in 1968, when Mrs Reynolds, who grew up in India and spent summers in Afghanistan, first set foot in England. Since the couple's arrest, their home has been ransacked and their house staff interrogated. The Telegraph has learnt, however, that they are victims of a deepening internal power struggle within the Islamist regime. Their arrest was ordered by a commander linked to the Haqqani network, a powerful Taliban faction led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister. The arrests have triggered intense disagreements between Taliban factions in Kabul and Kandahar, with 'heated phone calls' between the two power centres. The couple decided to remain in the country when the Taliban took power in 2021. Their company's workshops focus on project-based learning and cover communication skills, emotional and social intelligence and conflict resolution. Sarah Entwistle, the couple's daughter, told The Telegraph that the hardest part for her parents is being separated from each other - the longest they've gone without speaking since becoming sweethearts in the 1960s. She said: 'We are able to talk to Dad several times a week, and he keeps insisting that his (locked and barred cell) is the VIP suite - because he only has to share a toilet with his interpreter, and they have a bunk bed. 'He says they are given one meal a day, but he's given extra food from the commander's table. He's lost weight, and has had some health scares, but Dad can find light in the darkest of places.' She explained that her father and his interpreter are allowed to make family calls when 'the rapists, murderers and out of control prisoners are back in their cells.' She said: 'While the guards scream at the other prisoners, they don't ever shout at Dad. This is because he's earned respect in a system that is terrifying and unpredictable.' As for her mother, Ms Entwistle said: 'Mum too has found a way to help those around her. She's creating an informal programme for the women in prison to help them with spoken English. While they can read and write, they don't know how to speak it. She's showing a group how to instruct others when she's not around any more.' 'This is who our parents are,' Ms Entwistle added. 'Mum and Dad are still true to themselves in the middle of this—loving people, keeping peace, and creating solutions in one of the very darkest, violent and most hopeless places in the world. 'They understand the power of the Taliban, and the shocking stories around them. But they are literally prepared to sacrifice their lives for the welfare of these people.' Faye Hall, an American citizen who was detained alongside them, was released last week in a deal cut with senior US officials. Ms Entwistle told The Telegraph that if American officials were able to free Ms Hall, the Government should be able to free her parents. She said: 'We will continue to wait in hope that the Taliban will not only release them, but choose to work with them for the good of the country.'
Telegraph
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Lammy needs to condemn Taliban, say family of captured couple
The family of an elderly British couple detained in Afghanistan have urged David Lammy to publicly condemn the Taliban and demand the couple's release. Peter Reynolds, 79, and his 75-year-old wife Barbie, were captured by the Taliban while returning to their home in Bamiyan, central Afghanistan, in February. Faye Hall, an American citizen who was detained alongside them, was released last week in a deal cut with senior US officials. Sarah Entwistle, the Reynolds's daughter, told The Telegraph that if American officials were able to free Ms Hall, the Government should be able to free her parents. 'We understand that there have been reasons for caution over previous weeks, but now that America has Faye back, we are desperately hoping there is more the British Government can do. 'We are asking the Foreign Secretary to make a public statement condemning the Taliban for detaining Mum and Dad without any evidence of wrongdoing,' she added. When asked by The Telegraph if Mr Lammy would condemn the Taliban, a spokesman said: 'We are supporting the family of two British nationals who are detained in Afghanistan.' Peter and Barbie were detained by the Taliban's interior ministry on Feb 1 for allegedly travelling on fake passports. The Telegraph has subsequently learnt, however, that they are victims of a deepening internal power struggle within the Islamist regime. Their arrest was ordered by a commander linked to the Haqqani network, a powerful Taliban faction led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the interior minister. 'All of them [Ms Hall and the Reynolds] were arrested by the Haqqani network to extract concessions from their respective governments and put pressure on the supreme Mulla,' a senior Taliban official said 'They are now satisfied after the [Americans] lifted sanctions on Sirajuddin [Haqqani] and are waiting to see what they can get from the British.' The couple, who married in Kabul in 1970, have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and have joint UK-Afghan citizenship The pair set up Rebuild, a company that provides education and training programmes for government and non-government organisations. They remained in the country when the Taliban took power in 2021. The couple were taken to court separately last month in Kabul but did not appear before a judge. Ms Entwistle said her mother is suffering from malnutrition, receiving only one meal per day compared with three meals provided to male detainees. Ms Entwistle said, 'We are delighted that Faye has been released and will be able to return to America in time for the birth of her granddaughter.' 'We continue to hope that the Taliban will embrace all that is decent and just by granting clemency during this meaningful time of Eid.'
Telegraph
23-03-2025
- Telegraph
Fears grow for UK couple held by Taliban
A court decision has been delayed for an elderly British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan as the mother's health is 'rapidly deteriorating,' the family has told The Telegraph. Peter Reynolds, 79, and his 75-year-old wife Barbie were taken to court separately yesterday in Kabul but did not appear before a judge after spending four hours chained to other prisoners. The couple was returning to their home in Bamiyan, central Afghanistan, on Feb 1 when they were detained, ostensibly over accusations that they had fake Afghan passports. The Reynolds, who have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and have joint UK-Afghan citizenship, are being held separately in the Afghan capital. Prison guards told them that a different judge would be handling their case, according to their daughter. Sarah Entwistle said yesterday: 'Despite being told that today's court appearance would result in a final decision, they spent four hours sitting on the floor, chained to other prisoners, before being returned to the prison. There are still no charges against them, and no evidence of any crime has been submitted.' The delay comes amid serious concerns about the couple's health. Ms Entwistle said her mother is suffering from malnutrition, receiving only one meal per day compared with three meals provided to male detainees. She said: 'Mum's health is rapidly deteriorating and she is collapsing due to malnutrition. She and the other women are provided only one meal a day. She requires support to climb the four flights of stairs to the room where the judge is located (which is not like a Western courtroom). Dad's health is also still declining and he's experiencing tremors in his head and left arm.' The family expressed disappointment over the continued detention and unexpected delay. Ms Entwistle said: 'We are devastated by this delay. It makes little sense, especially given that the Taliban have repeatedly stated that this situation is due to misunderstandings and that they will be released 'soon'.' Ms Entwistle said the family hopes for a resolution this week. The couple married in Kabul in 1970, before war ravaged the capital, and set up a company to provide education and training.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Family of detained British couple plead with Taliban for phone call
The family of an elderly British couple being held captive in Afghanistan has pleaded for the Taliban to allow them a phone call so that they know they have not been abandoned. Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, were returning to their home in Bamiyan last month when they were detained –ostensibly over accusations that they had fake Afghan passports. The couple, who have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and have joint UK-Afghan citizenship, are being held separately somewhere in Kabul. Their daughter Sarah told The Telegraph that she is increasingly concerned about their wellbeing and she pleaded with the Taliban to arrange a phone call. She wants nothing more than her parents to be released in time for her father's 80th birthday celebrations. Sarah Entwistle said: 'We have a big family reunion planned for Dad's upcoming 80th birthday. 'It will be the first time in 20 years that all 33 of us have been together in the same place – our parents, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – we are desperately hoping the Taliban will release them in time for this.' For the couple, Afghanistan was not just another war-torn country on the news – it was home. They were married in Kabul in 1970, before war ravaged the capital. They later set up a company named Rebuild, which provides education and training programmes for a range of government and non-government organisations. Such is their bond with Afghanistan that when the Taliban took power in 2021, they stayed, even after their house staff and most foreigners had left the country. Ms Entwistle said: 'Dad is a gentle, compassionate man who is considered a 'father figure' to many people. He is deeply loved and respected around the world for his wisdom and kindness. 'Mum is a fun-loving, vibrant visionary with inspirational ideas. She is truly loved by everyone and spreads joy wherever she goes.' Their relationship began at Bath University in 1968, when Mrs Reynolds, who had grown up in India and spent summers in Afghanistan, first set foot in England. Fifty-seven years after they first met, Mr Reynolds still introduces Mrs Reynolds as 'his girlfriend'. Ms Entwistle said: 'Both Mum and Dad had phone conversations with my brother on Feb 1 after their arrest in Bamiyan. 'However, three days later, when they were taken to Kabul for the second time, their texts became increasingly distressed, before we lost all contact. 'At first we waited for three weeks to see if the Taliban would release them. We heard nothing from them during that time, and we felt it was long enough to wait before informing the world of what had happened.' Since their arrest, their home in Bamiyan has been ransacked and their house staff have been interrogated. Sources within the Taliban told The Telegraph that the couple's detention is not based on any violations of local laws or religious customs, but is rather a political move to increase international pressure on the government and its supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada. The arrests have triggered intense disagreements between Taliban factions based in Kabul and Kandahar, with 'heated phone calls exchanged' between the two power centres. The interior ministry, responsible for their detention and potential release, is controlled by the Haqqani network, which is at odds with the establishment in Kandahar and seems to be using the situation it has created to challenge Akhundzada. Addressing the Taliban, Ms Entwistle said: 'We know that there are those of you who want to see justice and peace in Afghanistan. 'We urge you to demonstrate this by releasing mum and dad to return to their home and continue their work. We also ask for proof of their well-being and the opportunity to communicate with them by phone.' The couple's commitment to Afghanistan was shown in 2021 when they stayed, despite the country falling to the Taliban. Ms Entwistle explained: 'Through tears Dad said, 'I could not get on a plane and land in Heathrow, leaving our friends and country in their greatest hour of need'. 'We admired them all the more for it – but it was so so hard. So much grief around for everyone there.' She recalled a distressing moment when the Taliban took over the country after international forces withdrew. She said: 'One time they thought they were about to be shot as the Taliban were at their gate. They were about to say goodbye on the video call, but we said 'no, please let us stay with you if this is going to be the end'. 'Then the soldiers passed by. It was one of the most stressful times we have ever lived through.' The couple, who devoted their senior years to Afghanistan's most vulnerable citizens, now find themselves vulnerable in the same country. 'We don't know what conditions they are being held in, it is a concern given their age and Dad's health issues,' said Ms Entwistle. The Reynolds' work includes programmes such as life skills labs, which are three-week workshops primarily for young people. The workshops focus on project-based learning and cover communication skills, emotional and social intelligence and conflict resolution. They would also hold Islamic student-focused learning courses for Afghan teachers. Ms Entwistle said: 'The big thing they were focusing on in Bamiyan was Project Based Learning. They were working with groups of men and women - separately, obviously. 'They were helping the community to use systems thinking. This was to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills through project-based learning.' Mr and Mrs Reynolds also held training courses for Afghan health ministry officials in Kabul before the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban. Fada Mohammad Peykan, a former deputy health minister who was trained by the couple in 2019, described them as 'kind and patient people with excellent behaviour'. Mr Peykan said: 'As their student and a ministry official at the time, I testify that they are good people – they are harmless and not the kind of people who would commit a crime.' He said they loved Afghans and had a deep understanding of the country. During their courses, he added, they never spoke about politics. Ms Entwistle added: 'Prior to the Taliban's leadership in Kabul, mum and dad discovered there was no extra support for children with special educational needs.' This revelation sparked a mission to develop culturally relevant approaches for these forgotten children and to blend traditional methods with proven techniques from around the world. She said: 'They organised groups where parents and their children with additional education needs could learn together. The testimonials were overwhelmingly positive, and the progress these families made was both remarkable and heartwarming.' The dedication to Afghanistan runs deep in the Reynolds family. Their childhood home featured framed posters of Afghanistan's landscapes with the hopeful caption: 'Tourism – Afghanistan's passport to peace.' They would talk to their family members about Afghanistan and 'its incredibly brave, resilient people – amazing and beautiful stories about people that would make you weep, about how so many want to see the country flourish'. Now, those same mountains cast long shadows over the Reynolds couple's fate. Their daughter said: 'We understand how difficult it is as there is no British Embassy in Afghanistan. So our message to the British Consulate is thank you and please continue to do all you can.' Small victories offer fragile hope - like the delivery of Mr Reynolds' prescription medicine through European Union representatives over the weekend, accompanied by the message that the couple's plight has become 'world news'. Ms Entwistle said: 'This will be comforting for them to know they are not abandoned and forgotten.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
